Chicago's Mayor Emanuel sued over private email use

Rahm Emanuel, former White House chief of staff, announced his candidacy for Chicago mayor on Nov. 13.
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CHICAGO – The Chicago Tribune is suing Mayor Rahm Emanuel over claims he violated open records laws for failing to disclose personal emails and texts used to conduct city business.

Thursday's lawsuit asks a judge to force the former White House chief of staff to produce documents.

The lawsuit argues that the newspaper's Freedom of Information Act requests to Emanuel's administration have been "met with a pattern of non-compliance, partial compliance, delay and obfuscation."

Chicago Tribune Editor Gerould Kern says in a statement that the newspaper is seeking public records on matters of great public interest.

Emanuel's spokeswoman declined comment.

The issue of public officials relying on personal email for official business has come in the spotlight. Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton faces questions over use of a private account and server.